Dragon boat racing began over 2,300 years ago on the banks of the life-sustaining rivers in the valleys of Southern China as a fertility rite performed to ensure bountiful crops. The race was held to avert misfortune and to encourage the rains needed for prosperity; it was also an occasion of sacrifice to the water deity, the Dragon.

The most venerated of the Chinese zodiac figures, the Dragon of China is a beneficent creature, unlike its European counterpart. It has traditionally been a symbol of water and prosperity and is said to rule the rivers and the seas and dominate the clouds and rains. The first races were held as mock dragon battles staged to awaken the hibernating heavenly Dragon to bring to the people the necessary rain for a copious harvest.

Over the centuries a second story was integrated to give the celebration a dual meaning. Chinese history describes the fourth century B.C. as the Warring States Period; it was a time of shifting alliances and much treachery. In a kingdom called "Chu," there lived a great patriot and poet by the name of Qu Yuan who was beloved by the people. He championed political reform and truth and was therefore banished from the kingdom by the king who had fallen under the influence of the corrupt ministries. Wandering the countryside, Qu Yuan composed some of China’s greatest poetry expressing his fervent love for his country and his deep concern for her future. When the Chu kingdom was overtaken and ruined at the hands of a rival kingdom, Qu Yuan leaped into the Mi Lo River holding a big rock in a display of his heartfelt sorrow.

Upon learning of Qu Yuan's death, the people raced to the river in their fish boats in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water trying to keep the fish away from his body. The re-enactment of the villagers racing out to save Qu Yuan is dragon boat racing today.

MODERN DRAGON BOAT RACING

Dragon boat racing is fast becoming a global phenomenon. It is an annual event held in over 45 countries around the world. Traditionally it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, but today most races are held between May and October. Today, dragon boat racing clubs and associations can be found in such countries as China, the Philippines, Australia, Germany, Canada, Holland, New Zealand, and England. In North America, there are over a hundred dragon boat clubs and associations. The global dragon boat community is currently working to become an exhibition sport in the Olympics.

Since 2001, new races have emerged in Phoenix, Miami, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Ithaca, Washington DC, Denver, New York City, Philadelphia, Hartford, Pawtucket RI, Baton Rouge, Tampa, Orlando, Las Vegas, Knoxville, St. Louis and Houston. Today there are over 70 dragon boat races in the United States alone.

RHODE ISLAND DRAGON BOAT RACING

Since 1999, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island have hosted the Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival. The Rhode Island Dragon boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival are modeled after the world famous Dragon Boat Festivals held around the world. The Ocean State Dragon Boat Club is the first semi-professional dragon boat team in the state of Rhode Island. We are the only team currently ranking in top placements among the top northeast teams in the country.